Lee Van Slyke Spencer
Lee Van Slyke Spencer
Obituary
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Lee Spencer Obituary
Lee Van Slyke Spencer, 58, passed away suddenly on Friday, December 11, 2009, in Tampa, Florida.
Lee was born on February 8, 1951, in Garden City, New York. Born a tree-climbing, tom boy, grown to a beautiful woman, and always a passionate friend and a lover of animals of all kind.
Lee leaves many friends in her absence. Lee also supported her cause for organ donation by successfully donating her organs to help extend the lives of three recipients in three states.
There was a service for her at 2 p.m. on Monday, December 21, 2009, at the Vinson Funeral Home in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
Her burial will be Wednesday, December 23, 2009, at the Mountain View Cemetery in Bristol, Virginia.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Barbara Hunting
February 8, 2010
Happy Birthday Lee – I so wish you were here to celebrate your day! L’il Opie sends tail wags, and kisses, too!
I met Lee in 2005, and our friendship grew so that we were more like sisters than friends. Cohorts in road trips, makeovers, shopping, museum trips, beading, golf, shooting, and just having fun. Of course, until she got a GPS, I tried to drive on our trips, so we wouldn’t get lost….
Lee’s wonderful, wacky, wicked sense of humor, her strength and resilience, and her continued ability to see good in people were truly inspiring. She shared her goodness not only with people, but with the animals she cared for and loved – and they, in their infinite wisdom – immediately recognized a good soul when they met her.
She often spoke of her time at St. Mary’s, and was so happy she made it to the 40th year reunion. Reconnecting with so many friends was very important to her, and she was looking forward to seeing many of you again.
On this, her day, my thoughts are with her. I wish that she could still be among us, to share her special talents. But then I remember her laughter, and it helps me to smile. She truly was a unique and good soul. As I read the comments left by so many, it is easy to see that the lives she touched are a testament to her life, and we are the better for having known her. We miss you and love you, Lee.
Debby Macey
February 2, 2010
Being swept up in a Lee Van Slyke adventure was an experience of a lifetime! Her beautiful smile,her outrageous humor and her endless talent will surely be remembered forever by those who had the good fortune to have known her. A rare bird, indeed.
Lora Lynn Jones
February 1, 2010
Lee Van Slyke was one of those rare individuals placed here on earth to inspire us all to be the best we can be while still having fun. I was privileged enough to be one of Lee’s friends. Although quiet, Lee had a spirit that soared. We met at Sullins College in Bristol, VA, were in the Cotton Pickers there together and there was never a dull moment when the group performed. Many adventures, many funny, happy memories. No one will ever forget the 5th floor Reynolds parties or the rating of dates from the Reynolds balconies. I was shocked at Lee’s passing and am still deeply saddened. Many of us were so looking forward to seeing Lee at the upcoming Sullins reunion this Spring. Lee will always be alive because as long as we remember – she is still here with us! Lee left a huge mark on this world – and an even bigger mark on all the hearts of those of us who loved her. We miss you my friend.
Caprice Schaefer
January 26, 2010
I always remember Lee changing the color of her hair, she would get bored, and one day she was brunette,one day blonde, one day redhead, and one time green! that sums her up, very capable, hands on, and a little crazy in a good way. Love to you Lee, Cappy.
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2008 Reunion
January 23, 2010
Isabel Schaper
January 22, 2010
Lee was a classmate at the Cathedral School of St mary. She was always warm and accepting and had a great sense of humor. I spent several weekends at her home. I remeber being on student council and she made my job so easy, if I asked her to get rid of her gum she just smiled and never gave me a hard time. Wish I could have been at the reunion. I have very warm memories of her. She made the world a better place. Isabel Zeller (Schaper)
Blue Team Cheerleaders
Sally Bachelder Keil
January 22, 2010
After reading many of the entries in this guest book, I see that Lee and I shared many things: both grew up in GC, both went to the GC junior high school, both transferred to St Mary's, both sang in the Cathedral choir, both went to Miss Hepburns for dance class, both did the debutante thing at the Cotillion....but I really only remember Lee as a classmate at St Mary's...I can't place her in those other activities but can definitely see her that one morning in her blue CSSM uniform, walking into Academic Room on the umpteenth day of non-hair washing, to the glee and laughter of the entire upper school and the evil stare of Miss Yeoman! She was sent home immediately....I can see her running down the sidelines of the playing field while I tried to pass her the ball in field hockey.....and a photo of the Blue Team cheerleading squad brings back all the laughter and excitement of trying to beat the white team cheerleaders at Field Day...I am SO GLAD that we were able to get together last September for the first time since graduation those 40 long years ago : what a special treasure it is that all of us got to be together and, as it turned out,our last time to be with Lee. She shall be missed.....
Leslie Maxson Lafferandre
January 21, 2010
We attended CSSM together and lost contact after High School. We reconected a year ago when we discovered we both lived in FLorida. Although we lived on opposite coasts we did manage to spend two afternoons visiting and getting to know each other again, and she was trying to plan a road trip over for a visit. I am greatly saddened by her passing, and will miss her.
Anne Wichelns
January 20, 2010
I had no idea that Lee was in GC Jr. High School when I was there.... must be unobservant or forgetful. Penny's entry was good to read as it shed a different light on Lee. However, when she came to St. Mary's, I remember her as a very kind, pretty, and un-stuck up kind of person who was pleasant to everyone. She was good at things like hockey, as others have remembered, seemed like a good student, had a great smile... I didn't know her wild side, as others did. I just thought she was a really nice person--and I was very pleased to see her again at the reunion. Some people just seem to make the world seem to be a better place, and Lee was that kind of person to me. I was really surprised and interested to learn of her expertise with birds. Still waters run deep.
(Nancy Ludlam) Wichelns
John Vogel
January 19, 2010
I first met Lee at GC Junior High, and we were close friends for an all to brief a period in 1970-71. We lost contact over the next four decades. While doing some work on the computer about 10 days ago, I suddenly had an inexplicable urge to reach out to her. I doubted I would be able to find her after all this time, but much to my surprise, after a half dozen clicks, I was drawn to this site and learned of her passing. When I saw Penelope’s reference to Ms. Hepburn’s, I was sadly certain this was my old friend Lee. As for Lee’s wild streak…. She showed up at my house one cold NY winter night on a motor scooter to take me for a ride. Fifteen minutes on the back with her driving was enough to cure me forever of any desire to ride on the back of a scooter. Later, we went bar hopping on my BSA and nearly froze. What were we thinking! Her spirit is now forever free, but will always be with us, and she will always be loved.
Tommy Verola
January 8, 2010
Lee, Lee, Lee, I will miss you my dear Lee. The time we shared will always be treasured by me and I will always remember you fondly... The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering, and you will be remembered by all those you touched with your spirit, beauty and charm... Though we haven't spoken in decades it seems like just yesterday... All my Love, All my Life, Tommy
Deanna Wrenn
January 6, 2010
I met Lee about 6 months ago and we became instant friends. I just found out today of her passing. My heart is deeply saddened, but I know she is in a better place. The last time I saw Lee was at our church dinner on Saturday, December 11th. We sat next to each other talking about her birds and her dog Opie. She will be greatly missed.
Penelope Acker Denby
December 28, 2009
Lee and I met at "Miss Hepurns",sang in the Cathedral choir, and until she transferred to St. Marys attended Garden City Jr. High School together. I will miss her wit, her laughter, warmth and artistic talent. Separated by years and states we lost touch. Still I will remember her spirit, her love of life, an amazing "spoon concert" at Sullins and a most memorable spring break in Myrtle Beach. Her rebelling side brings memories of innocent pranks and experimentation with makeup and hair coloring. I will miss Lee. I will keep my memories of her alive in my heart.
Kim Sweeney Ilowit
December 25, 2009
Lee & I were friends in junior high--Garden city Junior High--She sat behind me in homeroom. She was always a free spirit--I loved going to her big house and just running around together. I still think of her whenever I am in Gee Cee & comment about how my friend Lee lived in "that house" as we drive by. Wherever you might be, Lee, I think of you with great fondness.
Cata Parkhurst
December 22, 2009
It is incredibly sad that Lee has died so suddenly. We were buddies in St. Mary's. We played varsity field hockey together and occasionally held contests for who would NOT wash their hair for the longest number of days. Often she'd be the wild rebel child, but had a seriously sensitive heart on the inside. She was a talented and accomplished bird breeder for years in Florida until too many hurricanes destroyed much of her facilities. A passionate animal lover and caring rescuer of injured creatures, Lee had an innate ability to care and heal our voiceless friends. Lee you will be dearly missed.
Gene Luker
December 21, 2009
Lee was a very dear friend of my wife Irene and myself for many years. My wife always enjoyed seeing her and spending time talking to her, they both were lovers of animals. My wife passed Dec 17, 2007. I know she is in Heaven and was there to welcome Lee. Lee will be missed at the Ranch House having her coffee and breakfast with her friends. I am very sorry I did not make her services, I found out only this morning that she had passed.
Carolyn Champion
December 21, 2009
Lee was part of my family; I remember her as a small child. Although I live in Boone, the weather prevents me from attending the service in Bristol. My thoughts are with the family.
December 21, 2009
Lee was a classmate at the Cathedral School of St. Mary. I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet her again at our reunion in Sept. 08. She was very much like I remember her as a high school junior. Her sly sense of humor and I-stand-for-no-pretense attitude was intact. We had a lovely visit and I had hoped to visit her in Florida in the coming years. She will be remembered. Holly English-Payne, 11 Overhill Lane, Roslyn, NY 11576
Jill Harp Yarmosh
December 21, 2009
Lee's wit and warmth will live on in my heart - she was a wonderful friend.
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